Football Bears in a bind

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JASON HILLS -- Sun Media

The University of Alberta Golden Bears football team certainly didn't envision an 0-3 start to begin their 2007 season.

No team wants to put themselves in a must-win situation this early, but after blowing a 23-0 lead last weekend to the UBC Thunderbirds, the Bears have created the very situation they didn't want.

"I don't think any coach envisions a 0-3 start, but one of the things we can look at is how we progressed through the first three weeks," said head coach Jerry Friesen.

"Even though we haven't been successful on the field there have been things we've addressed and we've become better coaches and better football players."

The Bears host Simon Fraser University tomorrow. (Foote Field, 2 p.m.) The Clan haven't won a football game in almost two full seasons, but in their current situation the Bears aren't taking any team lightly.

"There is no way we want to take SFU lightly. They took on Saskatchewan earlier in the season and at halftime they held a lead," said second year tailback Tendayi Jozzy.

"They are basically in the same situation as us and our backs are against the wall. We are going to have to come out with all that we can."

After getting blown out in week one by the Saskatchewan Huskies, the Bears followed it up with a horrendous start against the Regina Rams, resulting in a 24-22 loss. Last week the Bears had a 23-0 lead at halftime, only to lose 24-23.

"We go out and finish hard for 30 minutes and then we come out and start hard for 30 minutes. Now we have to put it all together, and it starts this week," said Friesen.

While Friesen takes the blame for the loss to UBC last week, he knows that if the Bears have any hope of getting back into the playoff hunt they have to start a nice winning streak.

Currently tied with SFU for last place in the Canada West division, Friesen still feels they have a shot at a playoff spot.

"We just need to continue improving and keep pushing from here on out."